Culture

7.4 / 10

(based on
56 ratings in 2016)

2016

"If you're based on client site and working within a client team, the work culture depends a lot on the client you're working with. I've found that, in IBM, the culture is positive and people are cooperative and not hierarchical. I can reach out to senior team members if I need to."

Graduate, London

"There's a great social feel to the office with regular catch ups after work at the local bar."

London

"The IBM culture is about looking after one another. No matter how busy people are, they will find time to have a coffee with you. Office hours and working locations are famously flexible. The social culture is fun and there are always after-work drinks on Thursdays. The IBM culture is traditional when it comes to generous pensions, maternity benefits and private healthcare."

Graduate, London

"There's a very flat structure. It's easy to work alongside, approach and befriend partners and they're flexible about work arrangements."

Graduate, london

"You get to work from home, which helps with your work/life balance – especially when working after hours. There are many graduates in the same position and this helps to create a great culture."

Graduate, London

"The graduate community is excellent and there is plenty of opportunity for social interaction."

Graduate, Varies

"The culture is very good. However, it can be quite hierarchical due to the size of the organisation. People are approachable and friendly and, generally, there is good teamwork and cooperation. There's also a lot of socialising among graduates and interns."

Graduate, London

"There are quite a few opportunities to socialise and network, which is great as it helps IBM colleagues to get to know each other better. Teams try to organise team-bonding activities after work when possible and there are some events and socials for graduates organised both by IBM and by individuals."

Entry level, London

"The culture in the organisation is one of the best I have seen, which is very rare from such a huge company. There are loads of events for socialising and, with the relaxed culture, you are able to walk up to an executive and have a normal conversation."

Graduate, London

"The graduate community is great and there are always a lot of social events going on. The office is quite quiet on some days, which can be a little disappointing but it depends on the team. Everyone (including senior managers) is always happy to help if you need it."

Graduate, London

2015

"I am currently working on a client site with a strong IBM presence, and this is reflected in the equally strong sense of teamwork and a supportive culture. On my account the executives have a strong presence in the office and are easy to approach."

Graduate, London

"There is a strong, positive culture across the whole company and in my immediate team."

Graduate, London

"I work long hours, but with good flexibility to work around other commitments at the same time. Colleagues are good to work with, everyone (colleagues, managers) is on a first name basis and you can approach almost anyone in the organisation for advice."

Graduate, London

"There is of course a hierarchy within such a large organisation, but I never feel as though my opinion is undervalued. I'm often out socialising with both my immediate team and my counterparts on the graduate scheme."

Graduate, London

"From my experience, people are very happy to help, regardless of position and hierarchy."

Graduate, London

"There are lots of opportunities to socialise with other IBMers, through both formal and informal events. I think you get great exposure to senior members of staff from day one, and everyone I've met so far is really helpful and keen to see you progress. On the whole I find everyone helpful and willing to make time in their day to share ideas and give advice."

Graduate, London

"Everybody is quick to help each other. While we are assessed against each other there is a real team effort to achieve and grow. Hours are flexible and personal needs are considered too."

Graduate, Winchester

"The hierarchy within the organisation is fairly relaxed, people from all levels work on projects as a team and it is sometimes hard to know who is what level because everyone joins together in order to get a job done. There is a big social scene for graduates: it is encouraged to network both at work and outside of work."

Graduate, London

"IBM has a flexible, happy and friendly environment. There is a loose hierarchy, with strong cooperation and teamwork."

Graduate, London

2014

"I think that the company has structure and a little hierarchy, but it is loose, with colleagues at all levels mixing and socialising together - especially on small projects. It is expected that your work will not be confined by your particular place in the structure, and there is strong scope for getting involved in other things as you demonstrate competence."

Graduate, London

"I think that the culture is people orientated. It's easy to network and meet new people, and people are always willing to help. There are lots of opportunities to socialise; you just have to find the time to do so! There are often socials on assignments away from home which is nice."

Graduate, Manchester

"I have found it to be a very collaborative and supportive environment in which you are encouraged to develop your knowledge and experience through different opportunities. Being away from home during the week can often be quite difficult, but there is a big social scene on the account, which includes sport, music, food and drinks."

Graduate, Leeds

"We have great cooperation and teamwork within the company, and across most of it there is mentality that you can leave early if you are done early, and leave late if required."

Graduate, London

"The culture is great at IBM. There is a focus on networking with not only those in a similar stage of their career to you, but also with those who have a lot more experience. There are a number of events that enable us to do this, and these events tend to be very well organised and always worth attending."

Graduate, London

"The people at IBM are open and approachable, and there are lots of networking opportunities after and during work which means you'll constantly meet new people within the organisation."

Graduate, London

"As a graduate at IBM you are encouraged to talk to people higher up in the company and learn from their experience. All IBM employees tend to be very helpful and are always willing to spend some of their time to point you in the right direction. The social scene is great, depending on your project, it can vary depending on where you end up in the country."

Graduate, London

"It's easy to engage with colleagues across different parts of the organisation and with different levels of seniority during networking events, and by reaching out to people. However, because of constant travel we do not get to see our colleagues very often."

Graduate, London

"Culture varies between teams - some are very good at giving you the independence to do the job properly and have a good socialising culture."

Our 'Inside Buzz' reviews are the comments and views of recent graduate recruits, giving you a view of what it may be like to work for an organisation. Copyright of all TARGETjobs Inside Buzz material lies solely with GTI Media.

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